Napoli have reportedly fallen short in their efforts to land Scott McTominay from Manchester United on loan.
Napoli’s summer transfer activities have taken an intriguing turn as the fallen Serie A champions intensify their efforts to bolster their midfield options ahead of the new season. After securing an agreement with Billy Gilmour, the Italian giants have now set their sights on another Premier League midfielder, Scott McTominay of Manchester United.
However, their initial approach to bringing McTominay to Naples on a loan deal has been met with resistance from the English club. Napoli’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, has been actively negotiating in London to strengthen the squad under the guidance of Antonio Conte. Reports suggest that Gilmour, a promising Brighton & Hove Albion talent, is on the verge of joining the Partenopei.
The Scottish midfielder, who made his name at Chelsea before moving to Brighton, has reportedly agreed to personal terms with Napoli. The club is now finalising the terms of the deal with Brighton, which is expected to be completed soon for a fee of around €12 million plus €3 million in bonuses.
Manchester United Stand Firm on McTominay
While the Gilmour deal appears to be progressing smoothly, Napoli’s attempt to secure a loan deal for Scott McTominay has hit a stumbling block. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Italian club approached Manchester United with the proposal of taking the Scottish international on loan for the season.
However, the Red Devils have shown no interest in letting the 27-year-old homegrown player leave on a temporary basis, preferring a permanent transfer or keeping him at Old Trafford as part of Erik ten Hag’s squad.
McTominay, who has been with Manchester United since his youth days, has been linked with a move away from the club this summer as he seeks more regular playing time. Despite his status as a solid squad player, the midfielder faces stiff competition in Manchester United’s midfield, which has been bolstered by the arrivals of players like Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.
Napoli’s interest in the Scottish international is understandable, as the 26-year-old brings a blend of physicality, experience, and versatility that would be valuable in Serie A. However, without Manchester United’s willingness to negotiate a loan, the deal may not materialise unless Napoli are prepared to meet the club’s demands for a permanent transfer.
Napoli’s Transfer Strategy Moving Forward
Napoli’s refusal to back down in their pursuit of Premier League talent highlights their ambition to correct last season’s struggles. With Gilmour likely to join the ranks, adding McTominay would further enhance Napoli’s midfield options as they look to compete domestically and in the Champions League.
The club’s aggressive approach in the transfer market reflects Antonio Conte’s desire to have a deep and versatile squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts. As the transfer window draws closer to its conclusion, it remains to be seen whether Napoli will revisit their interest in McTominay or explore alternative options.
The club’s determination to secure top talent is evident. But whether they can convince Manchester United to part ways with McTominay, or if they will pivot to other targets, will be crucial in shaping their squad for the upcoming season.
McTominay’s physicality and box-to-box capabilities would make him an excellent fit for Conte’s high-energy, aggressive style of play. If Napoli can find a way to navigate Manchester United’s stance, the Scottish international could prove to be a valuable addition to their squad. However, the challenge lies in convincing United to part with a player who still holds value in their squad, even as a rotational option.
